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David Rogers’ Big Bugs

It was in the fall of 1990, while staying on a cousin’s farm in Vermont’s Green Mountains that David Rogers encountered a maple sapling bent over from previous winter’s ice storm. There was something about the curvature and posture of this particularly ravaged tree – a backbone to a large beast, perhaps that suggested a new life for the tree. Using dried branches and different varieties of tree saplings a “dinosaur” sculpture emerged in twelve inspired days. This first large-scale branch construction sculpture encompassed and crystalized all of his previous work and life experience. It would forever transform his perception of what could be conceived and created using all-natural materials.

At the age of thirteen David learned to weld and built abstract steel-welded sculptures, using salvaged car parts and other found scrap materials. By age fifteen he had begun experimenting with found forest materials. Using dry branches and rope-lashing techniques, he assembled different kinds of abstract structures. Ironically, at this early stage David had already steel-welded his first insect dragonfly and a housefly.

From his late teens to early twenties, David worn a lot of hats; cabinet and sailboat builder, home restorer, cabdriver, actor, and even a magician’s assistant. Through it all, the call to create was always present. In 1985, with a serious devotion to rustic design using all natural materials, he developed a very ornate bent-sapling construction style named “Victorian Rustic.” By 1990, David had completed a series of branch and sapling construction “dinosaur” sculptures, among many other rustic works. He first conceptualized the idea and early designs of what would become the Big Bugs the following year.

Combining all the materials and techniques of rustic construction and new engineering ideas, he created the first ten sculptures of the Big Bugs exhibit. These sculptures included four different subjects: Ants, Praying Mantis, Spider and Web, and Dragonfly. The exhibit debuted at the Dallas Arboretum in the summer of 1994. The success of the Big Bugs continues to be an intense and laborious experience of creative inspiration, discovery and invention. The Big Bugs exhibit now compromises 40 sculptures with 14 different subjects.

David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibition has now toured public and private botanical gardens and nature centers throughout the United States. The exhibition has been successful in its role in assisting host institutions in outreach in educating the public about the importance of preservation and conservation on the planet. The exhibition brings solutions to the challenged faced by botanical gardens and nature centers in building new membership, increasing existing membership participation and public attendance and awareness of their mission. Several botanical gardens have invited David Rogers’ Big Bugs to return for additional exhibitions. Since 1994, David Rogers’ Big Bugs has been privileged to be shown in 40 States.

Testimonials:

"The Ohio Fair Managers Association convention and entertainment showcase is the largest gathering of its kind in the country attracting over 3000 attendees. Steve Cover has arranged and produced our national entertainment showcase for several years now. He has done a fantastic job handling this very large undertaking. He is a master of his craft and a consummate professional."Bob Dawson, Treasurer, Ohio Fair Managers Association; Director, Lake County Fair, Painesville, Ohio

“What a wonderful evening! The Oak Ridge Boys blessed us all with their music and talent. Thank you Steve for booking them!”Mary Fallin, Governor, State of Oklahoma

“Working with Steve Cover has been a true pleasure; professional in every facet from the preproduction, to the show and follow up. I like working with experienced people who know what it takes to make it happen and make it seem effortless. No drama, just get it done . . . that's my style and Steve delivers.”John Oates, Hall and Oates, Aspen, Colorado

“Steve has produced our concerts at the Green County Fair in Wisconsin for almost 20 years. WE LOVE HIM TO DEATH HERE! His experience has helped us avoid problems, kept the acts on the straight and narrow, and made sure the shows start on time. He’s a wonderful and fun guy to work with and always offers great entertainment year after year.”Joyce Binder, Secretary, Green County Fair, Monroe, Wisconsin

“You really did a fantastic job on the production. You were very professional and I enjoyed every minute of working with you. Thank you Steve, let’s do it again sometime.”John Oates, Hall & Oates, Aspen, Colorado

“Chris Mann’s performance at our 9/1/12 wedding reception exceeded our every expectation! His voice was breathtaking; his generous spirit thrilled our guests beyond measure. Chris and his crew’s professionalism and willingness to accommodate made him the undisputed highlight of a storybook celebration. Thank you Steve!”Aaron Nichols, South Bend, Indiana

"Steve’s knowledge and collective demeanor gain him the respect of everyone he comes in contact with. He is a consensus builder, respectful of everyone, and uniquely well-grounded in an industry known for its aggressive personalities and big egos. And, he is great communicator, all which makes him very effective and someone you will enjoy working with. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Steve to book and manage any concert or event in which he chooses to engage."Bob Dawson, Treasurer, Ohio Fair Managers Association; Director, Lake County Fair, Painesville, Ohio

“As a music industry specialist, Steve has saved us 30-35% on our talent costs over what we could have booked them direct. He negotiates our contracts, advances the show, and works with the artist’s tour and production managers on the day of the show to make sure the production goes smoothly and the show starts on time. We probably would not have booked as many concerts in the past year if it wasn’t for Steve.”Shary, Freeport, Illinois

“ERG has booked and produced our corporate concert for our annual client training and appreciation meeting since its inception. Using major stars, including Grammy Award winners, has increased our attendance and created extraordinarily amazing moments for our clients. This has helped us build and solidify strong relationships with our present clients as it will with our future clients as well. Steve’s experience has saved us money, time and worries, and allowed us to focus on our…Ernie Riggen, Rock Island, Illinois

“FLAWLESS is the word I am using concerning Saturday night’s performance with Chris Mann. Thank you Steve for all you did to make this happen for us.”Craig Gibson, Lakeside, Michigan

“Steve, you did a great job . . . your attention to detail, planning ahead, and thinking on your feet were all handled with professionalism. A+ on all accounts!”Bob Grabow, Dallas, Texas